Alexej Ovchinnikov
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started in 2014, and now we’re in year ten of ongoing conflict. This war is reshaping both the land and its people in ways we can hardly imagine. As time passes, environmental damages are becoming clearer and more complex.
For many in Ukraine, the focus has shifted from hoping for peace to figuring out how to live amidst chaos. This isn’t easy. The landscapes are changing. Fields now bear tangled webs of fiber optics, and many homes in Kyiv remain frozen and empty. These scenes would have seemed unimaginable at the war’s start.
It’s clear that the war’s impacts will haunt Ukraine for years. Mines in fields, burnt forests, and poisoned waters are a few of the lasting scars. Like climate change, the consequences are permanent. Organizations and experts must now seek ways to adapt, striving for a sustainable future in a war-torn environment.
Yet, true adaptation can only occur once the fighting stops or at least cools down. In the meantime, we must remain alert. The repercussions of this conflict are not confined to Ukraine; they ripple across the globe. As international support begins to fade, it’s crucial to keep raising awareness about these environmental crises.
Environmental Impact Beyond Borders
Major environmental disasters triggered by the war are starting to show global effects. A significant oil spill in the Kerch Strait in early 2024 marked one of the worst incidents in the Black Sea’s history. Russia’s urge to quickly load oil onto its “shadow fleet” during a storm led to ignoring safety protocols. This places countries near the Black Sea at risk of further accidents due to aging and uninsured vessels.
International bodies seem powerless to rein in these threats. Russia’s withdrawal from critical agreements, like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, underscores a troubling trend. This trend isn’t isolated; the U.S. has also shown a devaluation of international agreements, which complicates the fight against climate change.
Political agendas are creeping into environmental issues, too. Russia’s claim that the Ramsar Convention is biased is ironic, given its own actions. Recently, Ukrainian biologist Leonid Pshenichnov was detained, clearly to safeguard Russia’s interests in Antarctica, which include krill fishing and exploring hydrocarbon resources.
Moreover, Russia is attempting to legitimize its annexation of Ukrainian lands by declaring nature reserves in occupied areas. Through these moves, it seeks international recognition while undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
As the political climate worsens, environmental activism faces intensified scrutiny, especially in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Activists often find themselves labeled as “foreign agents.” The situation escalated dramatically in Belarus between 2020 and 2021, with similar trends emerging in Georgia and Russia.
New Forms of Pollution
The war has given rise to unique forms of pollution. Drones used at the frontlines are creating a mess with their fiber optic cables. These materials are scattered everywhere, and their long-term environmental effects remain uncertain.
This past winter, intense missile assaults on Ukraine led to serious pollution incidents, like significant sunflower oil spills into the Black Sea. While oil spills aren’t new in wartime, the scale of these recent incidents highlights the urgent need for better cleanup standards, particularly for non-petroleum products.
Nature is adapting, albeit in dangerous ways. In summer 2025, southern Ukraine experienced a massive locust invasion, fueled by the disruptions in agricultural activities and environmental changes triggered by the war and climate factors.
Challenges in Environmental Assessment
Conducting thorough environmental studies in the midst of conflict is nearly impossible. Many critical areas, like the Kakhovka Reservoir, remain unexamined. In occupied regions, protected areas face degradation, and unique ecosystems are at risk. Reports from journalists indicate that wildlife reserves, including Askania-Nova, see their species sold off as the war continues to wreak havoc on nature.
Despite these obstacles, scientists work tirelessly to assess the damages. They hold onto hope that when peace finally emerges, we won’t be left with nothing. There may still be species that have endured this turmoil.
Monitoring the war’s environmental and climatic impacts is vital now more than ever. The global media spotlight is shifting to other crises, which can obscure the dire situation facing Ukraine’s environment. Activists and researchers continue to face significant challenges, often relying on volunteer efforts. Their work is essential in uncovering and addressing Ukraine’s environmental challenges openly.
As we watch this conflict unfold, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged with its many implications, especially regarding our shared environment.
Translator Alastair Gill
Main image source: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP
